On Networks N300RE User Manual - Manual (Page 6)

Getting Started
6
N300RE WiFi Range Extender
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a wireless router and a computer or wireless
device outside the wireless router’s range. To do this, the extender has two main jobs:
1. The extender connects to a WiFi network.
When the extender joins a WiFi network, it acts as a network client. This is similar to how
a computer connects to a network.
2. The extender acts as an access point for computers.
The extender has its own wireless network called On_Networks_EXT. In its role as an
access point, the extender performs tasks that wireless routers do, such as broadcasting
its network name (SSID).
The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.
Figure 2. WiFi Range Extender in a home
When to Use Your Extender
On Networks recommends that you connect to the extender only in the locations where your
WiFi connection is poor or does not work at all. Data traffic routed through the extender is
slower than traffic that goes only through the router. For this reason, in location where you
have a good connection to your home network, you should connect to it directly.
The LEDs can help you tell if the extender is correctly set up and working effectively.
• The best performance is delivered when both the Link Rate and PC to Extender LEDs
light green.
• A workable performance is delivered when the Link Rate LED is lit amber and the PC to
Extender LED is lit green.